US Coast Guard Auxiliary, District 7, Division 2, Flotilla 2

Boating Safety Course Descriptions

Boating Skills & Seamanship

Topics include:

WHICH BOAT IS FOR YOU? Boater's language; types of boats; outboard motors and sterndrives; hull design; uses of boats; other power plants; materials for constructing boats; your intended use; the Coast Guard Customer Infoline; marine surveyors; buying a boat.

EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR BOAT. Requirements for your boat; your boat's equipment; legal considerations; substance abuse; boating accident reports; Vessel Safety Checks.

TRAILERING YOUR BOAT. Legal considerations; practical considerations; the towing vehicle; balancing the load; handling your trailer; pre-departure checks; preparing to launch; launching; retrieving; storing your boat and trailer; theft prevention; Zebra mussels; float plan.

HANDLING YOUR BOAT. Leave with a full tank; fueling your boat; your boat's propellor; cars and boats; twin screws; jet drives; loading your boat; getting started; leaving a pier; "man" overboard; docking; mooring to a permanent anchor; anchoring; towing a skier; heavy weather; small boat safety.

YOUR "HIGHWAY" SIGNS. Protection of ATONs; buoyage systems; waterway marks; how waterways are marked; light characteristics; chart symbols; light structures; lights on bridges; electronic aids to navigation; a word to the wise; navigation publications.

THE RULES YOU MUST FOLLOW. Two sets of rules; to whom do the rules apply; what is a vessel; the general responsibility rule; general considerations; conduct in narrow channels; traffic separation schemes; vessel traffic services; stand-on or give-way; rules for special vessels; risk of collision; bend signals; restricted visibility; vessel lights and shapes; vessels at anchor; diving operations; distress signals; drawbridge signals; penalties.

The BS&S course is normally taught in three full days of classroom time. Typically, it will be done on three consecutive Saturdays, but this schedule can change, depending on the situation. There is also a 1-day Boat Georgia class, and a 1-day Personal Watercraft (PWC) class that is offered. The fees for all of these courses are to pay for materials only. The instructors are volunteers from our Flotilla.

Most insurance companies recognize this safety training and offer a discount on your boat policy. Check with your agent to confirm.

Course Schedules

For more information contact Dave Fuller. New Auxiliary members are also welcome.

2008 Public Education Course Schedule:

CLASS	WHEN	WHERE
Boat Georgia	March 8, 2008	Marine Max, Forest Park, GA
Boat Georgia	April 5, 2008	TBD
Boat Georgia	May 3, 2008	Roberts School Community & Education Center, Acworth, GA
PWC (4-Hrs)	May 31, 2008	Roberts School Community & Education Center, Acworth, GA
Boat Georgia	June 28, 2008	Roberts School Community & Education Center, Acworth, GA
Boat Georgia	August 2, 2008	Roberts School Community & Education Center, Acworth, GA
Boat Georgia	September 6, 2008	Roberts School Community & Education Center, Acworth, GA
AUXOP Training	October 4, 2008	Roberts School Community & Education Center, Acworth, GA

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